A Blackwall resident has was named as a finalist in the national 2020 Dreamtime Awards.
Erica Smits, a proud Gamilaroi and Murri woman, was named one of four finalists for the Awabakal Excellence in Education award in the annual program.
Although she didn’t win, being named a finalist recognises the extensive contribution and guidance Smits has provided to the community during her almost 10-year career with the NSW Aboriginal Land Council (NSWALC), and her long-term commitment to completing tertiary education.
Smits said it was an honour to be named a finalist and have her journey recognised.
“Being a finalist meant the world to me; to go and see all the other nominated members and all the great work everyone is doing for our mob was very inspiring,” Smits said.
“I didn’t think becoming a finalist would ever happen to me, but I am very humbled and honoured.”
The Charles Sturt business graduate started her career as a Project Officer with the NSWALC, and during her time with the organisation, completed a number of courses at TAFE, before beginning her Bachelor of Business degree.
Smits said becoming an officer at the NSWALC was a fantastic experience.
“My family has always been around land rights, my dad is a staunch land rights activist and has been in the land rights movement since I was born,” Smits said.
“It was always going to be the way I was going to go.
“Seeing Darkinjung rise from the ashes and become this peak body on the Central Coast was great to see.
“I wanted to help the mob – there’s not one particular moment that stands out but helping out land councils that were being dissolved was good … it’s always good to just be along for the ride.”
And now as the Director of the Sydney-Newcastle region for the NSWALC – a career goal she set out to achieve 10 years ago – Smits said it has been a rewarding, but recently challenging role.
“I set out to be a proactive director and made sure I wasn’t sitting on the sidelines,” Smits said.
“I just want to be there to support and be involved with anything I can get my hands on.
“[We’re’] just trying to help the land councils to get back on track after the COVID-19 lockdown.
“We need to get back to having members meetings, conducting surveys, connecting with our elders and youth.”
The Dreamtime Awards focus on providing an opportunity for First Nation Peoples from across Australia to come together and recognise excellence in the categories of sport, arts, education, health and community.
Maisy Rae